Explore Featured Degree Options in Education

The online Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) from the University of Southern California Rossier School of Education prepares you to become a transformative K–12 teacher. Through live online classes and enriching field experiences in your community, you can earn your MAT in less than 18 months without relocating.

Vanderbilt University's Peabody College offers an online Master of Education in human development counseling with a specialization in school counseling for students interested in becoming school counselors and making a meaningful difference in K–12 settings.

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Steps to Becoming a Teacher in New Jersey

Important Note: Education licensure requirements, statistics and other information are subject to change. Teach.com makes its best effort to keep content accurate; however, the official sources are the state education departments. Please confirm licensing requirements with your state before applying for licensure or renewal. (Last update: 02/17/2019)

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Prerequisite Coursework in New Jersey

All states require at least a bachelor’s degree to teach. New Jersey has the following additional coursework requirements: All prospective teachers must complete a “coherent sequence” of education coursework. In addition, each field or subject area has specific requirements:

Elementary Education (Grades K–5): A major in the liberal arts or sciences, or at least 60 liberal arts credits are required. In this sense, “liberal arts” means any course of study designed to provide general knowledge rather than vocational skills. An additional endorsement in a subject area on top of the Elementary Education certificate is required to teach Grades 5–8.

English (Grades K–12): A minimum of 30 credits in a coherent sequence in the subject field of English, including at least 12 credits at the advanced level of study.

Mathematics (Grades K–12): A minimum of 30 credits in mathematics, including at least 12 credits at the advanced level.

Physical Science (Grades K–12): A minimum of 30 credits in the subject field of Physics or Chemistry, including at least 12 credits at the advanced level. An additional 15 credits at any level must be completed in the ancillary subject matter. Examples of courses accepted for Physical Science include physics, mechanics, electrical engineering majors, analytic physics, statics, thermodynamics, circuit designs, heat transfers, and mechanical designs, as well as chemistry courses and biochemistry. This endorsement entitles the holder to teach Physical Science, environmental science, and general science in all public schools.

New Jersey Teacher Certification Programs

Teacher certification programs can be taken online or on-site. They typically include an educational theory and classroom skills seminar and a fieldwork component of student teaching in the area. The State of New Jersey Department of Education provides a list of approved teacher preparation programs in New Jersey.

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Required Tests for New Jersey

Most states require tests to show competency in basic skills as well as in the desired subject area. All candidates for a CE or CEAS (except those seeking a CE with a career and technical education endorsement) are required to fulfill a basic skills requirement by taking the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators exam. An SAT, ACT, or GRE score in the top third percentile for the year in which it was taken also meets this requirement. For CEAS candidates, the basic skills requirement must be met before acceptance into a teacher preparation program.In addition, you must pass the PRAXIS II Subject Assessment/Specialty Area test(s) appropriate for the area and/or subject you plan to teach.

Initial Teaching Certifications

To earn your New Jersey teaching credential you will have to complete the appropriate amount of undergraduate coursework and standardized tests, as well as an accredited certification program. New Jersey issues a Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS) to graduates of teacher preparation programs who meet all basic New Jersey licensing requirements. CEAS holders go through the Provisional Teacher Program, which involves a period of mentoring and assessment, before being issued a permanent Standard Certificate. Learn more through the State of New Jersey Department of Education Office of Certification & Induction about earning your New Jersey teaching credential.

Earn recognition of your ability to develop and deliver a memorable teaching experience when you receive a premier certificate from Harvard’s Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning, in association with HarvardX, upon successful course completion.

Alternative Certification in New Jersey

The New Jersey Department of Education sponsors a state-run alternate route to teacher certification. Participants who complete 24 hours of formal instruction are issued a Certificate of Eligibility, and then undergo a minimum of 200 hours of formal instruction accompanied by mentoring from more experienced teachers. Additionally, alternative certification programs, such as Troops to Teachers, are an option. New Jersey participates in the Mid-Atlantic Region Troops to Teachers program.

New Jersey Teacher Certification Information & Links

Transferring Your Certification

Certification Reciprocity in New Jersey

Interstate reciprocity is a program that allows teachers certified in one state to teach in another state. Visit the New Jersey Department of Education website to view their reciprocity policies. To find out which other state teaching licenses can be used in New Jersey, visit the Teach.com reciprocity page. Or, for more specific questions about your situation, contact the New Jersey Department of Education.

New Jersey Teacher Benefits and Retirement

The New Jersey Teachers’ Pension and Annuity Fund (TPAF) provides full benefits to New Jersey public schools teachers who are at least 62 years old, although reduced benefits are available for younger members. The TPAF website provides several fact sheets on specific aspects of membership. Learn more about benefits for teachers on Teach.com.

New Jersey Teacher Shortage Areas

Teacher Shortage information was provided by the U.S. Department of Education’s Teacher Shortage Areas Nationwide Listings (Page 123) for 2017-2018, and was determined by examining the most recent data about unfilled teaching positions; positions filled by teachers certified by irregular, provisional, temporary, or emergency certification; and teachers teaching in subject areas other than their area of preparation.

Career Advancement

Professional Development for New Jersey Teachers

The Professional Development in New Jersey section of the New Jersey Department of Education website handles the professional development of teachers and administrators. The New Jersey Office of Professional Development has strong policies to place teachers in sustained professional learning to refine and expand their practice in order to help students perform at higher levels.

Benefits of a Master's Degree in New Jersey

It is no longer enough to just have years of experience in teaching. After No Child Left Behind and other academic quantification measures, the careers of teachers increasingly depend on their results in the classroom. A master’s degree in the field of education can give you more educational theory and classroom skills, as well as more hands-on student teaching experience with a mentor.

After a master’s program, you may be able to achieve better results in the classroom and have more job security and higher pay. Visit Masters In Teaching to learn more about the salary impact of a master’s degree for New Jersey teachers.

Explore Featured Program Options in Education

The online Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) from the USC Rossier School of Education prepares you to become a transformative K–12 teacher. Through live online classes and enriching field experiences in your community, you can earn your MAT in less than 18 months without relocating.

The 8-week Teaching and Learning Strategies for Higher Education online short course is delivered by Harvard’s Bok Center for Teaching and Learning, in association with HarvardX. Students in this course will engage deeply with the most relevant research on effective teaching methods in the higher education context, while refining their own practices, portfolio, and teaching philosophy.

Vanderbilt University's Peabody College offers an online Master of Education in human development counseling with a specialization in school counseling for students interested in becoming school counselors and making a meaningful difference in K–12 settings.